Here Are The 9 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Southern California
There’s nothing more enchanting than the magic of the Christmas season. One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the holiday is to head to some of the best Christmas towns in Southern California. These nine towns in Southern California will surround you with twinkling light displays, Christmas caroling, towering trees decorated in holiday splendor, and festive eats and drinks that will remind you why this is your favorite time of year.
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights brings a magical Christmas spirit to downtown Riverside. Carriage rides and twinkly lights galore will get you into the spirit in no time. Learn more about what to expect this time of year when you visit Downtown Riverside.
Next up on our list of the best Christmas towns in Southern California is Solvang. Nothing says Christmas like the town of Solvang. A holiday stroll through this European village will make you believe in the magic of Christmas. Take a holiday trolley ride through town or walk through the village and visit the quaint shops and restaurants that are all dolled up for the holidays. Learn more about planning your visit to Solvang.
Spending a day at Disneyland during the holiday season is like going to the most spectacular Christmas town you could possibly imagine. Festive parades, Santa on his sleigh, and fresh Christmas snow dropping from the sky will make you believe that holiday magic really exists. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the official Anaheim visitor's website.
The small town of Wrightwood feels like Christmas all year-round. But during December things get really festive, especially when there's snow on the ground. Spend a day exploring the shops at this quaint village then end your day at the Evergreen Cafe' where the holidays come to life with colorful ornaments and a holiday display ready to greet you. Learn more about why Wrightwood might just be the most criminally overlooked town in Southern California.
Coronado is magical at Christmas, especially at the Hotel Del. Take a day trip to see the towering Christmas tree in the lobby and then do a little ice skating at the outdoor rink as you sip on a cup of hot cocoa. It's pure Christmas bliss! Learn more about what to expect when you visit Coronado this time of year.
Beginning on December 1st, Temecula transforms into a winter wonderland during the annual Winterfest celebration that runs through the end of February. You'll be dazzled by magnificent holiday displays, a festive outdoor ice skating rink inside the town square of Old Town, and tons of festive shops to buy all your holiday presents. Learn more about what makes Temecula one of the best Christmas towns in Southern California.
Altadena is home to some of the most delightful Christmas experiences you can find in Southern California. Until you drive through historic Christmas Tree Lane to see the spectacular holiday lights draped along the deodar cedar trees, or stroll down Mendocino Lane to experience the magnificence of the historic Balian House all aglow in thousands of holiday lights, your Christmas won't be complete. Pictured here: Balian House located at 1960 Mendocino Lane. While you're in town, be sure to check out the incredible view from this Southern California overlook.
The charming town of Redlands sure knows how to capture the magic of Christmas. A memorable way to join the town festivities is at its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 3rd at 6pm along State Street and Citrus Avenue. When you're in town, be sure to stop by this little-known oasis in Southern California.
There's nothing more Christmasy than a flurry of white snow all around you. Big Bear Lake is a wonderful destination when you want to get out of the SoCal sun and experience a white Christmas. Learn more about why Big Bear Lake is one of the coolest small towns in the U.S.
Anyone who says Christmas isn’t magical in Southern California hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting these charming towns. Do you agree that these are some of the best Christmas towns in Southern California? Which places would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For more holiday splendor, take a ride on the Magic Polar Express Train in SoCal.
Address: Riverside, CA, USA
Address: Solvang, CA 93463, USA
Address: Altadena, CA, USA
Address: Temecula, CA, USA
Address: Anaheim, CA, USA
Address: Wrightwood, CA, USA
Address: Coronado, CA, USA
Address: Redlands, CA, USA
Address: Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best Christmas towns in Southern California
November 19, 2021
Beth C.
What is Southern California like during the winter?
If you’re someone who’s a bit wary of traditional winter weather — snow, sleet, freezing rain, and overcast skies — you may find that Southern California is an ideal place to be. Many residents and visitors alike enjoy the warm, sunny weather of Southern California year-round, and that even includes the winter months. Average highs throughout the region range between the upper 60s and lower 70s, and average lows range between upper 40s and lower 50s. When compared to other states, Southern California has some of the warmest winter weather in the U.S.
What are some of the best winter attractions in Southern California?
Despite having mild weather throughout the winter months, Southern California still embraces the magic of the holiday and winter season. Some of the best winter attractions in the region include the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, the tiny town of Wrightwood, the Grill at Antler’s Inn, Big Bear Snow Play, the Festival of Lights in Riverside, SkyPark at Santa’s Village, Round Valley Trail in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, and Jumbo Rocks Campground. Learn more about these beautiful winter attractions in Southern California.
Address: Riverside, CA, USA
Address: Solvang, CA 93463, USA
Address: Altadena, CA, USA
Address: Temecula, CA, USA
Address: Anaheim, CA, USA
Address: Wrightwood, CA, USA
Address: Coronado, CA, USA
Address: Redlands, CA, USA
Address: Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
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